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Teachers’ Guides & Resources

Teachers’ Guide, “Thirst to Learn,” Part 3

By Brilliant Star Crew

This guide is a tool to assist teachers of children’s classes and junior youth animators in using Brilliant Star’s “Thirst to Learn” issue in the classroom. While Brilliant Star is developed for kids aged 7-12, many younger and older kids enjoy learning from it. Activities can be adapted and expanded to engage ages 4-14. You’re invited to explore this guide and to share your own ideas in our Facebook group, Brilliant Star Idea Exchange.

Key themes in this issue:

Developing a deeper love of learning, exploring opportunities for engaging in crafts and professions, and seeing work performed in the spirit of service as worship
Overcoming setbacks with patience, determination, and resilience
Knowing yourself and building and exceeding your current skills while tapping into humanity’s “limitless capacity to transform”
Avoiding distractions and participating in action, reflection, consultation and study to foster learning
Achieving “dynamic coherence between the material and spiritual requirements of life”
Engaging in acts of service with teamwork and compassion

You can search, download, or print the full issue here.

We recommend Google Chrome for viewing and downloading PDFs.

For each page, you’ll find discussion questions and activities to enhance learning.

“Thirst to Learn” Pages, Part 3

22–23 – Stargazer: Barbara Talley
24 – Riley’s Rainforest: Boost Your Immunity
25 – Fool’s Gold
26 – Shining Lamp: Amelia (Milly) Collins
27 – Time Flies
29 – A-MAZE-ing Adventure: Build Up Resilience

You Can Find Part 1 Here (pages 1-10)
You Can Find Part 2 Here (pages 11-21)

Age Groups:

Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5)
Early Elementary (6-7)
Late Elementary (8-10)
Junior Youth (11-14)

PAGE 22: STARGAZER

Barbara Talley is inspired to empower others.

> PURPOSE

As the tagline (“Questions and Answers with an Inspirational Bahá’í”) suggests, Stargazer interviews spotlight the life, work, and kid-friendly perspectives of an adult Bahá’í whom kids can look to as a role model. Stargazers work in fields that are relevant to the theme of each issue. In this issue about life skills, author and speaker Barbara Talley discusses how she overcame a challenging childhood to create a thriving business and encourage Black and Indigenous people to express spiritual strengths. She talks about the importance of responding to opportunities and continuously learning.

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What is one thing you learned from this interview?
Which one of Barbara’s answers was most interesting to you? Why?
What are some things you can do to find your inner gems (your virtues, skills, and interests)?
Have you ever been treated unfairly because of your race, religion, gender, physical abilities, or for another reason? How did you handle it?
What can you do to help if you see someone else treated unfairly?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

What is one thing you learned from this interview? What made it memorable or meaningful for you?
Which one of Barbara’s answers was most interesting to you? Why?
What are some things you can do to discover your own inner gems (your virtues, skills, and interests)?
What helps you have the courage to try doing or learning something new?
Have you ever experienced prejudice because of your race, religion, gender, physical abilities, or for another reason? How did you handle it?
What can you do to support someone else who faces prejudice?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Read and discuss a book about discovering the inner gems of your virtues, skills, or spiritual qualities. What are some of the virtues used by characters in these stories? What can we learn from them? Some ideas:

Sunflower Seedling or The Shy Fish by Corinne Randall
Mason’s Greatest Gems by Chelsea Lee Smith and Elaheh Bos
I Am Enough by Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo.

Or you could share a video with students:

Sunflower Seedling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N4EDdFZxgg

I Am Enough
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9LzpUHPUlo

> Choose one of these activities to do with the children. Depending on the kids’ reading level, you could do this in a large group, in a few smaller groups, or individually. Then, come back together and talk about 1) the objects and how the kids liked finding them, and 2) what each kid sees as their most precious gem(s).

Seeking Treasure: https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2012/Seeking_Treasure_SO12p2.pdf

Magical Treasures: https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/Magical_Treasures_JA16.pdf

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

> Have each kid complete the “My Inner Gems” activity on page 2 of this issue. Then divide the class into pairs and give them 5 minutes per person to share their answers with each other. When time’s up, the whole group comes back together, and each pair reports on what similarities they discovered and which of their partner’s answers they thought was most interesting.

> Interview a Future Stargazer

Invite kids to interview each other using this activity, then share with the class some things they learned. https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/V52N1p22_Interview_Stargazer_link.pdf

> Ask students to complete one or more of these activities about responding to prejudice. Then discuss each scenario and invite kids to share their ideas for responses.

https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/What_Do_You_Say_v50n6_RS.pdf

https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/What_Do_You_Say_MA17_p19.pdf

https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/What_Do_You_Say_MJ16_p16.pdf

PAGE 24: RILEY’S RAINFOREST

Healthy habits can boost your immune system.

> PURPOSE

This piece explores the function of the immune system and ways we can keep it happy and healthy. Kids learn tips about how to boost their immune systems.

> QUOTE:

“Send down ... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing ...” —Bahá’u’lláh

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

How do you feel when you’re sick? How do you feel when you’re healthy?
What fruits and vegetables do you like? What’s a new fruit or vegetable you could try?
What are some things you like to do to exercise or stay active?
Laughing can help you stay healthy. What things make you laugh?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

When you’re healthy, how do you feel?
What are some things you do to stay healthy?
What are some of your goals for healthy habits to develop in the future?
What’s a nutritious food you didn’t always like but you like now? What helped you learn to like it?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Be Active

Invite kids to dance to fun music or play an active game, like freeze tag, red light green light, or a wheelbarrow race . Talk about how it feels to run around outside and be active.

Freeze tag
https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/play-ideas-tips/play-ideas/freeze-tag.aspx

Red light, green light
https://www.playworks.org/game-library/red-light-green-light/

Wheelbarrow race
https://partygames4kids.com/wheelbarrow-race

> Make a healthy snack in class, like veggie rainbows made out of different colored bell peppers. Talk about examples of healthy food choices. https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_TAB/MJ_23_FINAL_Holy_Day_Hospitality_Opt.pdf

NOTE: Check with parents or guardians for allergies/dietary restrictions.

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

> Create a Vision Board

Invite kids to create a vision board to make goals for boosting their health and happiness. It could answer these questions: What actions do you want to take? How do you want to feel? What healthy things do you enjoy doing? Kids can draw pictures, write words, or use newspaper or magazine cutouts to create a collage that helps them envision their goals.

Tips for vision boards:
https://www.parents.com/kids/development/how-to-make-a-vision-board-for-kids/

> Try Calming Activities

Try these meditation and yoga activities with the class.

https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/Meditation_Magic_SO16_p27.pdf

PAGE 25: FOOL’S GOLD

We can develop skills of discernment.

> PURPOSE

Using “Fool’s Gold” as an example, students are asked to sift through the gold rush of information around them to discern those bits of truth that are actually helpful.

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What is gold? Why is it so valuable?
[It’s a rare metal that’s easy to mold into coins.]
“Pyrite” is a shiny yellow mineral that's sometimes called “Fool's Gold.” Why do you think it got that name?
Why was it important for early miners to know the difference beween pyrite and gold?
Why is it important for us to know what’s true online?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

Why is gold so valuable?
[It’s a rare mineral that’s easy to mold into coins.]
What is pyrite and why is it called “Fool’s Gold”?
What was the gold rush?
[When thousands went to California in 1848 to look for gold.]
Why was it important for miners to know the difference between phyrite and gold?
Why is it important to know the difference between a lie and the truth?
Do you think everything you see online is true?
How is truth like a treasure?

Resources for teachers:

https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-is-fool-s-gold
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-25255957

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Talk about the definitions of the words in the “Fool's Gold” word search. Invite kids to use them in a sentence that relates to exploring truth. Some possible definitions:

Aware: See or have knowledge of something
Compare: See how things are the same or different
Insight: Deep understanding of the inner meaning
Judge: To form an opinion
Knowledge: Facts or information
Mindful: Aware in the present moment
Reason: An explanation or cause
Research: To study or investigate
Question: To ask or seek knowledge
Think: To have something in your mind
Truth: A real fact
Wisdom: Having good sense and judgment

> Invite kids (or pairs of kids) to use art supplies and recyclable items to create a picture or sculpture that represents a word in the “Fool's Gold” word search (aware, compare, insight, etc.). You could give them some examples for inspiration (e.g., Justice is often represented by scales, love can be represented with a heart, searching can be represented by a magnifying glass, etc.) When they're finished, ask them to share their art with the group and talk about why it brings their word to mind.

> Teach kids to sing the song "Truthfulness" by Red Grammer and Pamela Phillips Oland.
https://redgrammer.com/index.php/truthfulness-song.html

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

> Take this quiz together and discuss the answers. What are some ways students use responsible online security?

Quiz: Are You Smart About Screens?https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2018/JF18p10_Quiz_Smart_About_Screens.pdf

> What Do You Say About Truth?

Invite students to role-play the scenes from this page and include their own responses. https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/What_Do_You_Say_ND16.pdf

> Nur's Nook: Make a Treasure Chest

Create these treasure chest gifts with students. Write quotations about truth on small strips of paper and decorate them with gold sequins or stars. Put them inside the treasure chest.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol51/v51n6p8_Nur_Treasure_opt.pdf

> Story: Read “The Mysterious Orchard”

Read “The Mysterious Orchard” together. Ask the students if they think the story is literally true. If not, is it true in other ways? What messages does the story share with us?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/the-amazing-orchard

PAGE 26: SHINING LAMP: AMELIA (MILLY) COLLINS

Hand of the Cause of God Milly Collins shared her resources and loving friendship.

> PURPOSE

This page shares the story of Hand of the Cause of God Amelia “Milly” Collins, who sacrificed both time and money for the Faith.

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary

Where is the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh
What is a shrine?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

What did Amelia Collins do for the Faith?
What is a Hand of the Cause of God?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> The Collins Gate

After reading (or summarizing) this Shining Lamp story, show students the photo of the Collins Gate. Show them the path and tell them it leads to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. How would you feel to walk through this gate? What message does the gate give us about the shrine?

Collins Gate Photo:
https://media.bahai.org/detail/4335610/

> The Ringstone Symbol

What is the symbol at the top of the gate called? What does it mean?

The top and bottom horizontal lines represent respectively the world of God and the world of creation. The horizontal line in between them represents the world of the Manifestations of God. The vertical line represents how the the Manifestations join God and His Creation. The five-pointed stars at the right and left represent the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.
https://www.bahaiblog.net/articles/bahai-life/bahai-ringstone-symbol/

> Turn to the Shrine

Show the students the location of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh on a map or globe. Show them where they are now. Figure out the direction of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh from where they are. Explain that Bahá’ís turn in that direction to say daily obligatory prayers. Talk about the meaning of the Short Obligatory Prayer and invite them to say it aloud.

Short Obligatory Prayer
https://www.enablemetogrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EMTG_Short-Obligatory-Prayer-Poster.pdf

> Compare Wants and Needs

Amelia Collins made sacrifices so she could share her wealth with the Bahá’í Faith. Talk with kids about the difference between wants and needs. Invite them to complete this drawing activity.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/Tree_Thanks_JF14p5.pdf

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

> Read about Amelia Collins

After reading this Shining Lamp story, show students the photo of the Collins Gate. Show them the path and tell them it leads to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. How would you feel to walk through this gate? What message does the gate give us about the shrine?

Collins Gate Photo:
https://media.bahai.org/detail/4335610/

> Do a Craft to Encourage Service

Make this train craft in class and ask kids to write notes about ideas for service to put inside.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2012/Nur_Track_Service_train_MJ12p6.pdf

Make this wallet in class and invite kids to use it to save money for a charity.

https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2018/JF18p6p7_Nur_Duct_Tape_Wallet.pdf

> Turn to the Shrine

Short Obligatory Prayer
https://www.enablemetogrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EMTG_Short-Obligatory-Prayer-Poster.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.enablemetogrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EMTG_Short-Obligatory-Prayer-Poster.pdf

PAGE 27: TIME FLIES

Check out the tips for time management.

> PURPOSE

This piece teaches readers about the benefits of time management. Readers fill in missing letters to learn personified clocks’ tips for managing time terrifically.

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What is your favorite time of the day?
What are some things you do when the time seems to go by quickly? What makes it seem like time is going slowly?
Do you know how to tell time on a clock with hands?
What happens if you’re late getting to school?
How do you feel when you finish a task on time? How does it feel to finish something late?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

What are some of the ways you need to manage your time? (e.g., getting out of bed, getting a school project done, etc.)
What makes it challenging for you to be on time?
What helps you stay on time?
What are some ways that good time management can help you in life?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Count down!

Invite kids to experience time passing. Set a timer at a specific amount of time, like ten or twenty seconds, and ask kids to count the seconds. Once the timer goes off, play music for kids to dance to, or pass a balloon back and forth for another ten or twenty seconds. Do this a few times, and ask kids if time seems to go faster when they’re counting or when they’re playing.

> Telling Time

If the students don’t know how to tell time on an analog clock, teach them to read some simple times by creating a practice clock. Clock ideas:

- Put a hula hoop on the sidewalk, use twigs or paper cutouts for the hour and minute hands, and write the clock numbers with sidewalk chalk.

- Use a paper plate. Write the clock numbers on the outer edge of the plate, and use a copper fastener to put moveable hour and minute hands in the center.

Find more examples here:

https://www.weareteachers.com/5-hands-on-ways-to-teach-telling-time/

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

> Distract No More

Have students try this activity to brainstorm ways to prevent getting distracted. Give each group of 3-4 kids a card with an image of something that can be a distraction, such as watching TV, playing on a digital device, daydreaming, etc.

Each team has three minutes to come up with ways to prevent getting distracted by the activity on the card when they’re supposed to be doing homework or a household chore. Each team shares their ideas with the larger group.

https://veryspecialtales.com/time-management-activities-kids/

> Set Your Goal

Invite students to set a goal and break down steps to achieve it with this activity:

https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/JF17_Climb_with_Confidence.pdf

PAGE 29: A-MAZE-ING ADVENTURES: BUILD UP RESILIENCE

Resilience is your ability to face challenges and handle setbacks.

> PURPOSE

Life is full of change, and sometimes that’s challenging. This page invites readers to build resilience and look at change as an exciting adventure.

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What is a setback? What are some examples of one?
What is resilience?
What’s a big change you’ve had in your life? How did you deal with it?
What’s something coming up in the future that you’re excited about?
What are some healthy habits that an help you when you have a challenge?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

What is resilience?
Name a person or fictional character that has resilience. What did they do to show resilience?
What was a big change in your life, and how did you handle it?
What are some healthy habits to practice?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Make a cactus craft with Nur’s Nook symbolize resilience.https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/Nur_Cacti_v51n4_RS.pdf

> Talk About Emotions

Do this activity together as a class, to practice talking about emotions. What are some common events that can cause these emotions in kids (happiness, sadness, love, fear, anger)?https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2015/Express_Emotions_JFMA15.pdf

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

> Make a cactus craft with Nur’s Nook symbolize resilience.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/Nur_Cacti_v51n4_RS.pdf

> Interview a Future Stargazer

Invite kids to interview each other using this activity, then share with the class some things they learned. Did they learn new ideas about how to handle challenges?https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/V52N1p22_Interview_Stargazer_link.pdf

> How to Connect

Sometimes the hardest part of moving or other change is meeting new people. Do this experiment and talk about how to connect with others and make new friends.https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/Maya_Bridge_v50n6_RS.pdf

Updated on 5.23.23